07/29, 8:04pm

MIB-II infotainment system also supporting Android Auto, VW app suite

As promised roughly a year after CarPlay was unveiled, German car maker Volkswagen is now shipping automobiles that include a next-generation infotainment system called MIB-II that includes support for both CarPlay and Android Auto along with its own proprietary suite of Car-Net apps, the latter of which requires a subscription. The company says that all but its entry-level models will feature the new MIB-II system.

07/24, 9:43am

Android Auto, CarPlay standard in three models of Accord

Car manufacturer Honda has dispelled any confusion about its CarPlay launch plans. At its Mountain View, CA research facility, the company revealed the new 2016 Accord, boasting support for both CarPlay and Android Auto. The new Accord is the first Honda vehicle to have CarPlay support, but the company says that it will have more vehicles in the 2016 line that supports the Apple connectivity standard.

07/15, 3:09pm

Yokohama facility to focus on materials, vehicle and health markets

A recent new report on the Japanese research and development center currently under construction by Apple in Yokohama claims that the facility will mostly be devoted to working on new materials and metallurgy, as well as the automotive and health aspects of Apple's business. The company has recently made some breakthroughs in all three areas, with new metal alloys as well as health-tracking technologies in the Apple Watch, and CarPlay.

06/24, 11:17am

Dual-nature of protocol allows Android, iOS users to control without reboot

At the 2015 International CES in January, Kenwood introduced the two multimedia units that would serve as flagships for its Kenwood and Kenwood Excelon lines. Today, the manufacturer announced that the Kenwood Excelon DDX9902S and Kenwood DDX9702S Apple CarPlay receivers are shipping to retailers.

06/23, 12:49pm

CarPlay has been a long time coming to cars consumers can actually buy, but the infotainment and mobile app technology has finally started arriving to consumer showrooms. Though it has been promoted in forthcoming vehicles for well over a year, currently the Ferrari FF is the only vehicle at dealers now with Apple's technology baked in. This month, however, that changes -- as General Motors is now producing the Corvette Z06 and the 2016 Cruz.

06/03, 5:26pm

IBM allows works to select Mac notebooks as workstation options

Only a few months into the program, The Apple and IBM enterprise alliance has already scored one major client, a company that could become the world's largest Mac-supporting business outside of Apple itself: IBM. Big Blue last week decided to practice what it preaches, and embrace the changes that have come about in corporate workplaces since the introduction of the "Bring Your Own Device" movement. A new memo announced that workers could opt for a MacBook Pro or Air when updating or getting a new workstation device.

05/04, 5:08pm

Owners of second-generation Apple TV units -- the last of the larger, gray-colored models -- have reported that YouTube has vanished from the devices starting last night, with both the dedicated channel and references to the feature being removed. As reported previously, the change is due to alterations Google announced last month in the YouTube Data API to allow for new features that various older devices, including some of Google's own, cannot support. Also affected in the cutoff are YouTube app support for older iOS devices running obsolete versions of iOS.

04/22, 1:43am

Retina 12-inch MacBook can hang during first setup, workaround posted

A new tech note from Apple details a flaw that can occur during the initial setup of the new 12-inch Retina MacBook that causes the process to stop temporarily -- sometimes for a prolonged period -- before finishing. According to the new tech note, Apple recommends that if users experience the issue they can restart the initial setup process by restarting, and can opt to disconnect from the Internet in order to allow the setup to proceed, and then connect to the Internet afterwards. The problem appears to center around Apple ID setup or iCloud account creation.

04/17, 8:01am

Nearly a year after former Apple PR chief Katie Cotton retired from the post, Apple has finally named her successor: her lieutenant and interim chief, Steve Dowling. For the past 12 years, Dowling has been one of the lead spokespeople for the company, and was in charge of the iPhone maker's corporate PR team. Having filled in for Cotton since October, he will formally take the reins of the company's worldwide communications strategy. Prior to joining Apple, Dowling was a CNBC broadcaster covering tech news. The company also recently hired well-known MacWorld columnist Chris Breen for an unnamed promotional role.

03/23, 3:28pm

Auto audio accessories maker Pioneer has debuted a new series of second-generation NEX receivers that feature both CarPlay and Android Auto baked in, replacing earlier models that added CarPlay compatibility through a firmware update. Versions are available with either resistive touch or capacitive touch screens, ranging from $700 to $1,400 for aftermarket installation. The new models add support for Android Auto, and offer better touch sensitivity, brighter screens, and better color vibrancy.

01/12, 11:20am

Native CarPlay support still rare

The 2016 model of the Chevy Volt will support Apple's CarPlay, at least if an early demonstration version is accurate. The car is on display at this week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and its dash system shows options for both CarPlay and MirrorLink connections. Google's Android Auto is notably absent, but since the 2016 Volt isn't due to go on sale until mid-2015, there may be time to implement it.

01/06, 3:13pm

Third-party vendors go platform-agnostic

Pioneer and Kenwood have used CES to announce a slate of new headunits, all of which are compatible with both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto. The Pioneer offerings include the AVIC-8100NEX ($1,400), AVIC-7100NEX ($1,200), and AVH-4100NEX ($700). Each has an external microphone for voice commands, as well as a wired remote and support for HDMI input, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and dual-zone audio/video playback. The 8100 sports a seven-inch capacitive touchscreen, whereas the other two models use lesser resistive touchscreens. The products should ship in March.

01/05, 12:14am

Parrot's latest has CarPlay integration, OBDII, more

France-based Parrot's latest unveiling at this year's Consumer Electronics Show was the RNB6 double-DIN automotive head unit. The new RNB6 supports both Apple CarPlay and Google's Android Auto. The seven-inch capacitive touchscreen unit also offers many other features to prospective buyers, such as an included dashcam, navigation, and Bluetooth 4.0.

12/11, 5:23pm

New cases must survive 1m drops

Apple has instituted a new rule for Made for iPhone (MFi) licensing, requiring all cases to protect against drops of at least 1m (3.3 feet) over hard surfaces, sources say. That also includes any orientation, even in the direction of the display. Similarly, cases for all iOS devices must now offer a buffer of at least 1mm between the display and a flat surface when the device is upside-down. To achieve that, they can either cover the display glass completely or use a lip around the edge.

11/25, 1:36am

Points out study did not use built-in car integration, ignored Apple recommendations

Apple has issued a statement criticizing a study conducted by the University of Utah for the American Automobile Association in October that rated Apple's Siri (and other naturalistic voice-command virtual assistants by proxy) as "the most" distracting in-car task compared to just driving, adjusting the car's radio or temperature, or using built-in car navigation or infotainment systems. In its response, Apple points out some serious flaws in the study, including the fact that it deliberately avoided using the driving-specific Siri Eyes Free or CarPlay options.

10/27, 1:21pm

Unit has three-inch depth

Alpine has begun shipping the previously-announcediLX-007, its first receiver to support Apple's CarPlay platform. The device has also been given an $800 pricetag. It sports a 7-inch 800x480 touchscreen, three 2V preouts, one aux input, and an input for rear-view camera systems. Like other Alpine receivers, it uses a technology called MediaXpander to try to improve the quality of compressed digital audio.

10/17, 9:30am

Rdio introduces CarPlay compatibility to its iOS app

Music subscription service Rdio has released an update for its iOS app, featuring new CarPlay support and other iOS 8 inclusions. A paid monthly service, a Rdio Unlimited account offers access to albums, songs, playlists and stations, with the option to download unlimited songs via mobile for offline listening. Rdio v3.0.4 adds push notifications for iOS 8 users, and high-resolution images and album artwork optimized for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

10/10, 12:20pm

Increases small number of CarPlay options

As hinted at earlier in the year, Alpine has joined Pioneer in introducing CarPlay-compatible in-dash receivers, beginning with the iLX-007. The unit has a 7-inch WVGA touchscreen, and three 2V preouts as well as aux and Lightning inputs. Drivers with rear-view cameras can connect those as well.

10/02, 11:04am

Marks first practical support for platform

Pioneer has issued long-delayed firmware updates, bringing support for Apple's CarPlay platform to several of its NEX receivers. These include the AVH-4000NEX, AVIC-5000NEX, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC-7000NEX, and AVIC-8000NEX, which range in cost from $700 to $1,400. CarPlay is also an option on the new $600 AppRadio 4. To leverage of the technology, users must have an iPhone 5 or better, running at least iOS 7.1.

09/08, 7:35pm

Luxury manufacturer becomes the first to feature Apple tech in two models

Although Apple still lists a number of car companies as delivering vehicles incorporating its CarPlay technology before the end of the year (and indeed one model is definitely in production), luxury carmaker Ferrari has beaten the others to the punch with the deliveries of the first cars to feature the iOS integration into built-in infortainment systems. The Ferrari FF and California T are the first models with CarPlay as standard, and are hitting the road as of today.

08/19, 12:35pm

Mercedes working on 'highly sophisticated head-unit based solution'

Two of the core automakers supporting Apple's CarPlay -- Volvo and Mercedes-Benz -- have both confirmed that they won't have vehicles with the technology in 2014, despite earlier promises. "As of now, we do not support CarPlay in our series production cars," the latter party says. "We are working on a highly sophisticated head-unit based solution, which will enable CarPlay as well as other systems (e.g. MirrorLink) … we are not quite sure if we will feature an aftermarket solution. CarPlay won't be available by the end of this year, but in 2015."

07/30, 7:00pm

Analyst talks of iOS 'everywhere,' Cook's bold strategies

Six weeks after it rebutted a New York Times editorial that cast doubt on Apple's CEO, investment firm UBS has again praised Tim Cook's vision and leadership of Apple in a note to clients. In particular, analyst Steven Milunovich was taken with Cook's plans to expand iOS to automotive, gym, medical and home markets through its CarPlay, HealthKit and HomeKit initiatives, as well as the continuing growth of the entire OS X and iOS eco-systems, which the company refers to as "the Applesphere."

07/10, 7:30pm

Number could be higher, as Apple broadens compatibility with makers

A new report from ABI Research suggests that as many as a third of all new vehicles sold by 2019 could be compatible with Apple's CarPlay techology, right alongside competitors such as Android Auto and potentially other systems. Just now hitting the market, Apple's CarPlay system works with automakers' built-in infotainment systems, cooperatively overriding the vehicle's native interface when users plug in a Lightning-compatible iPhone or other iOS device (Android Auto works in the same manner, but for selected premium Android phones).

07/09, 6:30pm

New video shows off Apple technology alongside built-in car systems

A new, 11-minute video of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata offers viewers an in-depth look at CarPlay, Apple's car technology for iOS device integration. In addition to showing off the system itself, the video also makes clearer how CarPlay (and other technologies like Android Auto) can co-exist with built-in infotainment systems that are part of the vehicle itself. The video also distinguishes Apple's "Siri Eyes Free" feature from the rest of the CarPlay technology.

07/01, 12:44pm

Includes major brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Mazda

An additional eight car brands have confirmed plans for vehicles supporting Apple's CarPlay platform. These include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Mazda, and Ram. So far, though, the parties haven't said when their first CarPlay-ready vehicles will arrive, or which models will have support.

06/27, 1:06pm

Integration follows 'intensive dialog' with Apple

Audi has announced plans to offer CarPlay-equipped vehicles beginning in 2015. The integration is said to be the result of "intensive dialog" with Apple, and work at Audi's Silicon Valley development lab. Which models will get CarPlay, however, has yet to be revealed, and it's not known if custom apps or features will be used to distinguish Audi's take on the platform.

06/24, 2:21pm

Will let drivers listen to dedicated game broadcasts

The MLB's core iOS app, At Bat, has been added to the list of titles compatible with Apple's CarPlay platform. While most of At Bat's functions require a person's attention, via CarPlay users will be able to tune into radio stations broadcasting MLB games in distant cities. Using this will require At Bat's standard subscription, which costs $20 per season or $3 per month.

06/04, 10:02pm

While most of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference focuses on forthcoming software, there is also some hardware to be found at WWDC -- three vehicles parked inside the conference hall feature sneak previews of Apple's CarPlay iOS technology incorporated into forthcoming vehicle models from Chevy and Ferrari. In addition, an after-market CarPlay solution kit from Pioneer was featured in a customized 1965 Ford Mustang. Apple gave USA Todaya demo of the Chevy Spark EV implementation.

05/16, 12:39pm

Accessory maker speeds up CarPlay deployment

Pioneer has begun demonstrating Apple CarPlay-ready NEX head units to various media outlets, and will actually introduce CarPlay support in "a few weeks," the company says. That support is slated to arrive in the form of a software update for current NEX units, beating expectations that the public would have to wait for new models shipping in the summer. To install the update, owners of compatible NEX products will have to download firmware from Pioneer's website and copy it to a USB drive.

05/15, 3:54pm

Podcasts gets support for Siri, CarPlay, AirDrop

In the wake of OS X 10.9.3 and iTunes 11.2, Apple has also released updated Podcasts and iTunes Connect apps for iOS. Podcasts 2.1 mirrors the latest changes in iTunes, incorporating a new Unplayed tab -- which makes it easier to listen to new content -- and "Feed" tab for browsing episodes ready to download or stream. Favorite episodes can be saved for later listening offline, and played ones can be deleted automatically.

04/16, 1:03pm

Brings mainstream cars into CarPlay lineup

Hyundai will support Apple's CarPlay beginning with 2015-model Sonatas shipping later this year, according to an announcement. The Korean carmaker is the first since Volvo, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz to reveal specific plans for vehicles shipping in 2014. One more, Honda, has yet to say which car models it will fit with CarPlay. Other brands -- such as Ford, BMW, and Toyota -- may not have CarPlay-ready vehicles until 2015 arrives.

04/15, 5:16pm

Details remain scarce

Following a Nikkeireport to the effect earlier this week, Alpine has officially confirmed plans to ship aftermarket receivers compatible with Apple's CarPlay. The units will roll out in the US and Europe towards the end of 2014, but apart from a concept image, no other details are available. The Nikkei account suggested prices would fall between $500 and $700.

04/15, 11:12am

Five new receivers planned

Audio specialist Pioneer has announced plans to ship five Apple CarPlay-compatible receivers this summer. The new models in the NEX series will all have large LCD displays, but come in at very different price points. The cheapest model, the AVH-4000NEX, is set to cost $700. Higher-end models will ship for $750, $900, $1,200, and $1,400. Pioneer is also promising various non-CarPlay related improvements; the units are expected to have more responsive interfaces, for example, and better sound and safety features.

04/14, 9:25am

Uncertain if device will have Apple sanction

Car audio and navigation company Alpine will start selling its first aftermarket CarPlay upgrade in the fall, according to Nikkei. Details are relatively scarce, but the unit will reportedly cost between $500 and $700, and "likely" measure 7 inches. Given the nature of CarPlay, the unit will presumably need to be dealer-installed.

03/14, 2:32pm

Volvo suggests retrofits unlikely

Ferrari will not be retrofitting any of its existing cars to support CarPlay, the company states. "The new system CarPlay is available only on new range cars and cannot be installed on older ones," a representative says. The company is instead pointing people to an aftermarket product it offers that provides "last generation infotainment" compatible with modern phones.

03/14, 11:24am

Many changes still up in the air, sources say

On top of new apps, Apple is also considering a number of improvements to existing apps and under-the-hood technologies, sources claim. An example of the latter is Notification Center, where Apple is allegedly interested in simplifying panels from "Today," "All," and "Missed" to just "Today" and "Notifications."

03/13, 4:58pm

Pioneer distances itself from service rep's statement

Kenwood isn't planning any aftermarket CarPlay add-ons for 2014, says a marketing manager for the company, Scott Caswell. He in fact suggests that Apple could be reserving CarPlay as a perk for automakers, who may want it to entice new car buyers. The manager adds, though, that Kenwood products already support some subsets of CarPlay, like Siri and media playback. CarPlay proper involves duplicating iOS control functions on an in-dash display.

03/13, 11:25am

No CarPlay support expected until 2015

Earlier today, Toyota accidentally leaked news of its CarPlay plans on its UK blog, reports note. The site was scarce on details, but briefly claimed that CarPlay was "coming soon" in 2015 models. That news was deleted however, and replaced with a new post and a correction. "A previous version of this article said Apple CarPlay would be in Toyota cars from 2015. This is incorrect and we are happy to put the matter straight," it says. "No announcements have been made about if and when Apple CarPlay will arrive in Toyota cars."

03/12, 4:22pm

Suggests workarounds coming for cars without built-in support

Pioneer is exploring the possibility of adding CarPlay support to its current and future aftermarket car add-ons, a customer service representative for the company says. Although the claim doesn't constitute an official announcement, and no specific products have been named, it may represent the first hint that CarPlay could reach vehicles that don't even have built-in dash displays. Mercedes-Benz has proposed retrofitting older models for Apple's technology, but that might still be limited to cars with integrated displays.

03/10, 7:10pm

Highlights main features of new version, showcases CarPlay

Apple's release earlier on Monday of iOS 7.1 is considered significant enough to prompt the company to create a dedicated page for it, showing off some of the new features and improvements made in the release. The page covers the major "marquee" features of iOS 7.1, including support for CarPlay (in supported automobiles), automatic HDR selection, better control of Siri, changes to the Calendar and phone icons, and a bevy of bugfixes, along with improved performance for iPhone 4 users and other more subtle and optional tweaks.

03/10, 1:27pm

Available for all iOS 7-compatible devices

After a lengthy development and testing period, Apple has released the finished version of iOS 7.1 to the public. The code makes a number of improvements to iOS 7, for instance enabling CarPlay support in yet-to-be-launched vehicles. Siri will now let users hold down the Home button to decide how long a device should listen, instead of having to wait for the system to decide no one is talking. More naturalistic voices have been supplied for Japanese, British and Australian English, and Mandarin Chinese.

03/06, 3:36pm

Main barrier may be Apple approval

CarPlay support is fairly easy to implement for apps, suggests Brian Lakamp, Clear Channel's president of Digital. iHeartRadio -- an app that streams Clear Channel stations -- is one of the few third-party offerings currently supported by CarPlay. "Apple is pretty selective about how they disclose information," Lakamp says about how his company gained a toehold. "Apple made us aware of the opportunity. We were enthusiastic to participate and then worked closely with them to build the demo that they just demoed in Geneva." The iHeartRadio team was given early access to the private CarPlay API.

03/06, 2:35pm

May alleviate problem of limited CarPlay support

Mercedes-Benz is working on an aftermarket installation option for older cars without Apple's CarPlay, the company has confirmed. While the technology will be present in the 2014 C-Class, even people with older C-Class models won't have access to the technology at first. Mercedes will only say that it's developing "an after-market solution for previous cars," leaving pricing and other details unknown.

03/04, 9:38am

Pandora support could come down the road

As it stands, Apple's CarPlay doesn't currently support Pandora, according to an official statement. When CarPlay was announced on Monday, Apple initially highlighted just Spotify, Beats Radio, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and its own Podcasts and iTunes Radio as compatible music/podcast-themed apps. "At this time, Pandora is not integrated with Apple CarPlay," the Pandora statement reads. "As a first mover in the auto space, we continue to broaden our relationships with OEMs while also exploring other opportunities to expand our presence in the car. Apple has been and continues to be a valued partner."

03/03, 2:23pm

Carmaker to also offer Android, existing in-car options

Following in the same steps as Volvo, Mercedes-Benz has published a series of photos (below) showing how CarPlay integration will look in future vehicles. The company is due to show off a new C-Class with CarPlay support at this week's Geneva Motor Show. Significantly, though, Mercedes says it will continue to offer non-Apple alternatives.

03/03, 12:11pm

Tech to be supported in Volvo vehicles with Scalable Product Architecture

Carmaker Volvo has published a new promotional video (below), demonstrating how Apple's CarPlay will be integrated into its future car models. Seven apps are shown, including Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, Now Playing, Podcasts, and Spotify. In related press material Volvo notes that integration will be reserved for vehicles supporting its new Scalable Product Architecture, beginning with the XC90 SUV.

03/03, 3:50am

Apple rolls out CarPlay, brings iPhones to cars with official interface

Apple has announced CarPlay, its automotive interface for iPhones running iOS 7 or later. "CarPlay" is the new official product name for its previously-announced 'iOS in the Car' initiative. Apple is touting CarPlay as a "smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone in the car." CarPlay will make its debut at the Geneva Auto Show this week, with debuts from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.